Born – 1891, Attained Samadhi – August 2, 1963
This towering disciple of Gurudevan, who followed Swami Vivekananda even in dress, possessed many charismatic qualities that attracted the masses. Swamikal, who had no desire for power, kept himself away from positions and honors as much as possible.
He lived for about 73 years and remained deeply involved in spreading the Guru’s message and in organizational activities as long as his health permitted.
Swamikal, born in Thalassery, lost both parents in childhood. He had his education in Kochi. His schooling in missionary institutions helped him develop good proficiency in English and familiarity with the Bible. While still a student, he enthusiastically read the works and speeches of Swami Vivekananda and was deeply drawn to the Vedas and Upanishads.
Having heard much about Gurudevan, Swamikal visited him at Palluruthy. Greatly drawn to the Guru, he came to Sivagiri after passing his matriculation. After staying in Sivagiri for a few months, he returned home and came back to serve at the feet of the Guru a year later. On the next Chitra Pournami day, he took Sannyasa and was given the name "Guruprasad," accompanied by the blessing:
"You are one who pleases the Guru, so let your name be Guruprasad."
This was an acknowledgment of his sincerity in Guru seva (service to the Guru).
Swamikal, who had refined literary taste, was a devotee of Kumaran Asan and his poetry. He authored numerous articles and published a newspaper titled Gajakesari for some time.
Gurudevan appointed Swamikal as the overseer of Kudroli Temple. His activities centered around that temple helped spread the Guru’s message widely in Karnataka. It was Swamikal who brought the Billava and Poojari communities closer to the Sree Narayana movement.
His speech campaigns spread throughout South India and even reached North India. Numerous articles and short publications about the Guru emerged in Kannada, Tulu, and English languages.
Swamikal briefly resided and worked at the Sree Narayana Seva Ashram in Kanchipuram, at the Vepery Ashram in Madras (Chennai), and also at Mampala. He lived in and led many significant reforms at all the major ashrams.
He actively participated in the installation of the first statue of Gurudevan in Thalassery.
Many incredible events from Gurudevan’s life reached us through Swamikal, who had the fortune of living and traveling closely with the Guru. These are evident in the biography of the Guru written by Moorkoth Kumaran.
Swamikal was a direct witness to the Mahasamadhi of Gurudevan. The detailed descriptions of the Mahasamadhi that we have today came from him.
Even after the Mahasamadhi of the Guru, Swamikal devoted his life entirely to spreading the Guru’s message and engaging in organizational work. He stayed away from power and positions as much as possible. However, he did take on responsibilities such as overseeing the Sivagiri pilgrimage and the Brahmavidya Mandir.
At the age of 73, Swamikal attained Samadhi at his birthplace Edakkad, at his brother’s residence. It is a fact that we have not given him the due recognition or attention that his services deserve.